Teams going to Houston:

North Carolina:

While the Tar Heels have had trouble getting it done in the NCAA Tournament over the past few years, I expect this to be a much improved team this year. The Tar Heels return five McDonald’s All-Americans and were the top-ranked team in the Preseason AP and Coaches Poll. I expect Kennedy Meeks, Joel Berry II and Theo Pinson to all be considered for the Wooden Award, and ultimately lead the Tar Heels to Houston, the site of the 2016 Final Four.

Kansas:

The Jayhawks are back from a disappointing 2015 Final Four, and they are better than ever. The Jayhawks return star players Wayne Selden Jr., Perry Ellis and Frank Mason III. They Jayhawks were the fourth-ranked team in the Preseason AP Poll, but I think there is a chance that they are the best team in the nation. While the Big 12 is strong at the top this year, I expect them to beat out foes Iowa State and Oklahoma to extend their streak of regular-season championships to twelve.

Wichita State:

Kansans must love these predictions. According to my predictions, two teams from Kansas, KU and Wichita State, will make the Final Four. This Wichita State team has been a force over the past few years, and I don’t expect that to change this year. The Shockers return star players Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker, who led the Shockers to a victory over Kansas and a Sweet Sixteen berth in last year’s NCAA Tournament.

Vanderbilt:

Yes, you read this correctly. This pick will surprise many people, but I have high expectations for the Commodore team this year. Vanderbilt was not great last season, but this is a much improved team. The Commodores are lead by sophomore guards Riley LaChance and Wade Baldwin IV, who I expect to get hype for the Wooden Award. While Kentucky is still the favorite to win the SEC, I expect Vanderbilt to compete for the conference. While Kentucky is favored, I don’t see them going as far as Vanderbilt, as they are the perfect scenario to be a Cinderella team with them not making the Tournament in 2015.

Better luck next year…

Duke:

While I expect the Blue Devils to be solid as always, this is an almost entirely new team, as they lost key players Justise Winslow, Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and more. I expect them to be a high seed in the Tournament, but I don’t see them going to the Final Four.

Kentucky:

The Kentucky Wildcats are in a similar situation as Duke this season. They lost the majority of their key players, but still have a good chance to be a high seed. I don’t see the Wildcats being capable of a Final Four this season, due to their lack of experience.

Maryland:

While many people have Maryland as a sleeper to make the Final Four, I don’t see them going to Houston. The Terrapins will once again be a solid team this year, but I don’t see them making a Final Four run this year. One key to Maryland’s season this year is the production from Duke transfer Rasheed Sulaimon, who was dismissed from Duke for his poor conduct and body language.